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​In This Edition:Feature Story: The Messenger Reborn"Also of Note": Our New Logo, Changes to Sunday School, New Sunday Evening Service, New MembersWhat's Happening in September & October

​Feature StoryTHE PARISH MESSENGER REBORN!By Mother Storm​On the desk in my office sit copies of old Messengers. I like to leaf through them and imagine what St. James was like back when those issues were printed. In them, I come across such gems as this, from the September 1923 edition, 95 years ago this month. (It seems that the practice of the rector greeting and shaking hands after the service was considered “unseemly” by some Episcopalians. A “Glad-hand” is a smarmy handshake. This piece quotes a mock-debate between fictional characters on the matter.)

The Glad-Hand In a very interesting article in The Chronicle, done in dialogue form, the question of clerical egotism was discussed. One point is given here, because it so fundamentally disagrees with the ideas of the Rector and Editor of this paper.

Juvenis: Would you say that the practice of the glad-hand in the vestible by some clergymen is egotistic?Senex: Perhaps it is not. But I dislike it, and I always, where I am present in a church where the rite is administered, try to dodge it by leaving during the singing of the recessional hymn. I hate being unctuously smiled at.

It seems even then people were suspicious of clergy motives. Unctuously smiled at!

The first Messenger was printed in April 1918. The topic of the Rector’s first letter? Nothing less than whether The Christian Church should be involved in the First World War. And yes, there were strong differences of opinion among the good people of St. James on that topic. We are and always have been a “thinking people.”

As Scarsdale grew, so did St. James. A lot. In the heyday of the 1940s and 50s, the Messenger had thousands (thousands) of subscribers. It was almost the town paper. It connected people. It made them laugh. It gave them valuable information about their church and each other. It was thoughtful. It was beautiful. It took work and showed love of this place and of the people who belong to it.

With the help of the new Communications Committee, we’ve been doing yeoman’s work of posting events on Facebook, Instagram, using our email database to send out communications in the timely way we’ve come to expect in our culture. Still, I reach for those Messengers to hold in my hand. There’s an effort there that says we care about this place. Our new logo, which you can read more about on page 4, is all part of this effort to show in word and image our love for our church.

Now, to be sure, this rebirth of the Messenger is a pale shadow of what it once was (come by and look at them in our church library sometime), but I hope you enjoy holding something in your hand like I do. The Messengers will appear, as in old days, once a month. Unlike then, you will receive them via your church bulletins and in the church, or if you prefer a digital copy, through the Thursday parish email. If you’d like one mailed the old-fashioned way, please let the church office know.

We plan to keep it simple, with a short story each month, followed by two months’ worth of announcements, and a few occasional short features: “From the Archives,” “Rector’s Corner,” “Saint of the Month,” “Liturgy Corner,” and others. Some of the headers and the graphics you’ll see in these pages are pulled right from previous Messengers. What you will not see, at least for now, are submissions by parishioners or extended stories. Maybe we’ll get there, but for now, it will be mostly a source of information that’s easy to put together.

Many faithful men and women have put the Messenger together over the years, some of them still in our parish. We’re grateful for them, and we hope we’ve made them proud in this relaunch of this venerable St. James institution.

Also of Note​OUR NEW LOGO​The Communications Committee is proud to unveil our new logo! Q: Do you recognize where it’s from? (Answer at the end of this column)

This quest for a new logo began when the vestry voted to install a new committee devoted solely to our communications, both within the parish and outside it. Once the committee was formed, we began having extensive discussions about our visual identity, which in turn led to the hiring of a graphic designer, Jason Seder, to come up with several designs based on conversations we had with him and a tour of our space, including old newsletters and print materials. In June, Mr. Seder presented us with eight wonderful options, and together this committee of five narrowed it down to two, no small feat among people with smart and varying opinions. After additional tweaks and changes, we decided on the logo you see on the front.

A: Still wondering where it’s from? Look at our organ console next time you’re in the church, and you’ll see these beautiful medallions carved all over it. They were, in turn, patterned after much older carvings in the pulpit and on the lectern. In our parish, where music, liturgy, and preaching are such a core part of our identity, we had no doubt this was the logo for us. Hope you like it as much as we do!

CHANGES TO SUNDAY SCHOOLSunday school for grades preK-5th grade will take place this year during the first half of the 10 am service. Children will begin in the church, and will then be invited to leave for Sunday school after the opening collect. They will rejoin the service during the offertory. We are very excited about this change. It will bring us more in line with the practice of most other Episcopal Churches, and will allow us to include more children in on our wonderful Sunday school lessons.

Did you know that children’s drama is an important part of our history at St. James?

Following the 10 am service, we will now host a new Music and Arts program for children & youth through eighth grade. Musical and dramatic instruction will be part of each Sunday’s offering. For more details, see page 3.

ADULT ED SERIES:CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTERChurch is one of the last bastions of civil conversations about hard topics, so we’ve decided this fall to begin an occasional series devoted to such topics as: money, race, death, immigration, and more. This year we’ll tackle the first three, starting in October with a two-part series on Christians & Wealth. How much is enough? What does the Bible say about it? How were we raised to think about money and generosity? How has it made us what and who we are, for better and worse? We’ll talk casually about these and many more such questions, moderated by Mother Storm and Ms. McNiff.

MONTHLY SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE TO BEGIN THIS FALLWe are excited to announce a new once-monthly service geared toward our junior and senior high kids, but open to everyone. This short service without music will invite our kids to interact with the reading, as well as serve at the altar spontaneously with Mother Storm. We will use freshly baked Communion bread and commune together at the freestanding altar in the church. Lasts about 20 minutes, followed by junior and senior high youth groups with dinner and fellowship.

Sunday ServicesBanner Sunday Banner Sunday is our first official Sunday of the fall season. Each committee of the church marches in with a banner in this beloved St. James tradition. Sunday September 9, 10 am service.

Blessing of the AnimalsBring your furry (and otherwise) friends to church for their annual blessing! This is a real church service, but brief for the comfort of our furry friends. Sunday September 30, 10 am in the Churchyard.

Parish FellowshipBanner Sunday PicnicBring a side dish (last name starts with A-N) or a dessert (last name O-Z)and join us for food and fellowship immediately following the 10 am service. The rectory yard is right behind the church; follow the signs. All welcome! Sunday September 9, 11:15 am in the Rectory Yard.

Oktoberfest Parishwide EventThis beloved event is sponsored by the Men of St. James. Join us for brats, beer, and fellowship. Bring friends and neighbors! Tickets are for sale on the church website and the proceeds help support St. James. Saturday September 22 at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall.

Parish Retreat Our theme for the parish retreat is “Pilgrimage,” With guest speaker the Rev. Constance Coles leading us in discussion. Also, yoga, hikes, plenty of kids activities, great food, Sunday service outdoors. Friday October 5 - Sunday October 7 atCamp Incarnation in Ivoryton, CT.

Parents’ “Time Out”We are starting a new monthly gathering for parents needing a break and some down time together. We will meet in parishioners’ homes for a light dinner. Details for each month to follow. On Friday nights, September 28 and October 26, 7:30 - 10:00 pm.

Parish Rectory GatheringsEach October, Mother Storm opens her home to the entire parish for a social gathering with refreshments. Join us either Thursday October 18 or Thursday October 25, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. svp with the office.

Annual Halloween Graveyard TourCome learn about the people in our graveyard at this annual tour for the entire Scarsdale Community. Sunday October 28 6-7:30 pm. Tours every 15 minutes.

For NewcomersWelcome Class for NewcomersCome learn about the Episcopal Church and St. James while getting to know each other! Mother Storm will lead the next newcomer class on Saturday October 13, 10-11:30 am.

OutreachBreakfast RunJoin us for our monthly run into New York City to help feed and provide basic necessities to the homeless. All are welcome to join us and contribute food and supplies. The next run will begin at 6:30 am on Sunday September 16.

MusicChildren’s and Youth Choirs First Rehearsal & Ice Cream SocialBeginning Thursday, September 6, Children’s Choir (grades 1-5) and Youth Choir (grades 6-10) rehearsals begin, kicking off with an ice cream party that day at 3:30. All children and youth are invited! Rehearsals will continue Thursday afternoons following:Children’s Choir: 3:30-4:15 pmYouth Choir: 4:30-5:30 pm

Adult Choir Rehearsals BeginThursday, September 6 is the first rehearsal of the season, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Have you thought about joining the Parish Choir? It’s a great musical outlet, especially for those who have some music training. We have a core of professional singers who help lead and suppor0 and we cover a wide variety of choral literature. Contact Matthew Lewis with any questions you might have.

All Saints’ Evensong Rehearsals Do you like to sing, but find it difficult to keep up with seasoned choristers? Sometimes the pace of choir rehearsals can be fast for singers without much choral experience. This event may be perfect for you! On Sunday, November 4 at 4:00 pm, we will have a Service of Evensong for All Saints’ Sunday. This service will feature some more simple choral music (unison and two-part anthems) than other services throughout the year, with some extra rehearsals, in hopes of offering something to those who like to sing and want to feel confident in what they are singing. Watch for upcoming rehearsal announcements!

Adult EducationDiocesan Book Group at St. JamesThis fall we we’ll be hosting a book group led by the Reparations Committee of the Diocese of New York. The book we’ll be discussing is We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates,bestselling author of Between the World and Me, which won the 2015 National Book Award. Sunday September 16 at 2 pm in the Isom Room.

State of the Parish Report & Quarterly MeetingMother Storm will speak after church about the coming year, allowing plenty of time for your questions. We will also review finances together, our new quarterly custom. Sunday September 23, 11:15 am - noon in the Isom Room.

“Conversations that Matter” Series: Christians and WealthAfter the Kingdom of God, what did Jesus talk about the most? Surprisingly, money. More than heaven and hell combined, more even than love. Join us for a meaningful discussion on how our use of money reflects deeper, more important values, how we reconcile some of Jesus’ teachings with our financial lives, the attitudes about money we’ve inherited from our families, religion, our culture. October 13 & 18, 11:15 in the IsomRoom.

Blessing of the BackpacksKids! Be sure to bring your backpacks with you to church for their annual blessing! Sunday September 9, 10 am service

Sunday School Through 5th GradeKids Pre-K through 5th Grade have Sunday school every Sunday during the first half of the 10 am service (classrooms marked). Note that this is a change from previous years. See page 4 for more details.

Music and Arts for Children and Youth Begins after Church September 16We’re continuing, and reviving, our age-old St. James tradition of children’s drama and music with a new offering. Each Sunday after church, kids K-8 are invited to stay in the church for a 25-minute music and drama session. In the fall, we will prepare for our Christmas pageant, and in spring, for our Spring Children’s Musical. We will sing, learn some music skills (including solfege and ear training), work on delivering lines clearly, and create sets and backdrops for drama presentations. A combination of art forms! Led by Dr. Lewis, Cheryl Smith and Susie McNiff. Every Sunday after church, 11:15-11:45.

Safeguarding God’s Children WorkshopThe Diocese of New York requires all church staff and, whenever possible, all volunteers who work with children to take a “Safe Church” course every three years. Our next course will be hosted here at St. James on Saturday, September 15, 9 am - 2 pm. The cost per individual is $25 to cover the speaker’s stipend.

Sunday School Teacher OrientationAll teachers are asked to attend this important workshop to go over the curriculum, schedule, and benchmarks for the year. Bagels and coffee provided! Saturday, September 8th from 9 to 11 a.m.

Halloween PartyJoin us for some spooky snacks and crafts, and invite your friends and neighbors! Sunday October 28 at 6 pm.

For Junior & Senior YouthRegular: First Sunday Service (MOVED THIS MONTH ONLY TO SEPT 30)The junior and senior high youth groups meet together for a very informal Eucharist with Mother Storm and then break off into their own groups every first Sunday of the month. Service is 5-5:20, followed by dinner (details below) and fellowship.

Regular: Senior Youth Rectory Dinners (MOVED THIS MONTH ONLY TO SEPT 30)The Senior Youth meet on the first Sunday of every month in the rectory for dinner and fellowship. The October dinner will take place September 30 (changed because of the parish retreat), and the November dinner on Nov. 4.

Regular: Junior Youth Monthly MeetingsThe Junior Youth (grades 6-8) will begin meeting monthly this year, starting with the 5 pm Eucharist at the church. They will then move to the Parish Hall and have dinner and discussion. The October gathering will take place September 30 (changed because of the parish retreat), and the November gathering on Nov. 4.

Senior High Haunted HouseA much-loved annual tradition! Our high school kids will put together our super scary haunted house on Sunday afternoon, October 28.Nursery School EventsWelcome to our thirteen new families for the fall term! For a tour or enrollment information please call 914-723-1018 or stop by and say hello.

Registration for 2019-20We will begin accepting registrations for the school year 2019-2020 at the end of October 2018.

Tot Time Our tot time program for 12-24 months with a caregiver starts on Wednesday, September 26.